Dec. 15, 2009

George Mason assistant coach Ashly Kennedy spent one year as a volunteer assistant coach with the Patriots before being promoted to the lead assistant coach prior to the 2009 season. In her first season in that position, Mason improved by nine wins over the previous season, a mark that led the nation and tied the Colonial Athletic Association record for best single-season turnaround. A number of Mason players earned honors as a result of the 14-4-2 record and fourth-place finish in the CAA and the honors have bleed over to the coaching staff.

Kennedy has been named the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Assistant Coach of the Year for the Mid-Atlantic Region. She is the first Mason coach to ever earn the honor.

"I am honored to have received this award," Kennedy said. "This honor not only is a reflection on myself, but the coaching staff as a whole. We were all on a unified front and set standards for this team to live by day in and day out. Our commitment to strive for excellence shows that the hard work we put in doesn't go unnoticed. I thank my staff, my players, and all those that have made a significant influence on me and my soccer and coaching experiences."

"From the moment Ashly entered our program, I knew I had the right person for the job," said Mason head coach Diane Drake. "She is an incredible fit for our players, and for the Mason Culture. In coaching, you sometimes find that rare blend of personality and charisma that balances you as the head coach. This is the case with Ashly."

The Patriots scored 51 goals in 2009, the eighth time in school history Mason has scored 50 goals or more in a season. The Patriots also held the opposition to just 14 goals, the second-fewest goals allowed in school history. Working with Drake and Kennedy were John O'Hara and volunteer assistant Dirk Vandeveer, both in their first season with the Patriots.

"It would be erroneous to say this award goes solely to Ashly," Drake said. "It is a credit to the entire staff, for the tremendous work they put together this year. I am lucky to have such a diverse and talented group to work with."